Restoration of Wallis islets - Preliminary mission report

Abstract

In order to protect terrestrial and marine biodiversity and preserve the living conditions of the Wallisian population, it is proposed to remove invasive vertebrates from the islets located in the Wallis lagoon Wallisian population, it is proposed to remove invasive vertebrates from the islets located in the Wallis lagoon. With this in mind, Island Conservation staff have been working in conjunction with the Service Territorial de l'Environnement de Wallis Service Territorial de l'Environnement de Wallis et Futuna during the months of September and October 2019 to begin the consultation work and better understand the conditions necessary for the success of such a project. A panel of introduced vertebrates including rats, cats and pigs is present on all the islets present on all but one of the islets in the Wallis lagoon. These species pose a permanent threat threat to the islands' native plants and animals, and disrupt the ecosystem processes ecosystem processes responsible for the regeneration of native forests and the health of reefs. Various consultations with key stakeholders were undertaken, and all the islets were visited and surveyed visited and assessed. No insurmountable obstacles to the removal of invasive species have been and their eradication is considered feasible. Part of the islets could be treated manually from the ground, while islands with a more complex topography require the use of a drone-type aerial device to spread the bait containing the rat poison. Prior to the removal of rats and cats, pigs will have to be removed from the islets where they are present (strategy presented in this document). Further consultation is essential to build public support for the project and to identify any identify the obstacles to be overcome before proceeding with eradication. The Wallis islets are regularly visited and used by the population. As a result, significant efforts and support from the will be required to prevent re-invasions and ensure the sustainability of the project's benefits of the project. This project represents a real opportunity for Wallis to protect its natural resources and to develop its capacity to manage invasive species issues.